Businesses have many options in regards to building a website, but they must weigh and pros and cons of the methods to do it.

One thing is for sure; it had better be professional, as the website has become as important as a business card.

That was what Marc Farron, IT specialist at Lutgery School of Business’ Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University, told businesses leaders at the monthly North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce business luncheon at Heron’s Glen last week.

Farron could have gone on all day talking about websites and optimization. But he said the website, or even your own URL, legitimizes you as a business.

“Not having a website is like not having a business card. It’s part of the game,” Farron said. “You should get an URL. You can go to Go Daddy and get a domain name for $5 a year and it comes with five free e-mail addresses. It looks more professional.”

Most of those at the event had their own website. The question was which way to go about doing a website. Do you build it or buy it? Will the website take away from attention to the business?

Farron said that is the crossroads most business people face, and it must be considered carefully.

“To do it yourself, you’re either going to use a template or program it. Templates are very easy and are made for people who aren’t technologically savvy,” Farron said. “It’s all drag and drop. You can cut and paste it from Word or drag pictures in.”

The templates look more professional than ever, Farron said, and they are very fast, functional and economical for $60 to $70 per year. They just aren’t portable and there is only limited control.

When you do it yourself or have someone do it for you, you get more control and content management. Farron, said WordPress is the gold standard in content management systems, as it’s for people who aren’t technical.

“A lot of people use WordPress. It’s free and it has all functionality. A quarter of all Websites use it, and 80 percent of sites using CMS has it.” Farron said.

The problem is that they’re time consuming and it can take you away from your business, Farron said.

If you buy a site, a website developer, digital marketer and other personnel may be needed. It makes for a professional site and optimization on the web while you can concentrate fully on the business, Farron said.

“It can cost you $4,000 for a good website. We can help you in the selection process, sit in during meetings and facilitate,” Farron said. “You want to be in the top five on the main page. You never go to the second page and rarely go to the bottom of the page.”

Ultimately, its up to the business owner to decide what’s best for his or her business, Farron said.